INVEST2FI

Craig Curelop aka The FI Guy
INVEST2FI

Real estate is undoubtedly one of the most profitable and thriving industries out there - especially if you are looking to achieve financial independence! It offers a wide variety of ways to invest actively and passively. If you are new to real estate investing and FI, and seek the proper guidance from experts, you are in the right place.    Welcome to Invest2FI, hosted by Craig Curelop. In this series, we talk with real-life house hackers, real estate (and other!) investors and real people on a mission to become financially independent.    Not everybody enjoys working a 9-5 job. No one wants to be stuck in analysis-paralysis feeling unsure how to finally jump into real estate. We teach you how to exit the rat race and work on living the life you want.    This is the show for beginners and learners who want to achieve financial freedom through real estate. Whether you want to increase your savings, optimize your expenses, or build a prospering income source, we have helpful solutions. We talk all the tips and tricks for making your very first purchase. We discuss how you can build your skills on this initial transaction to close better deals in the future.    This is also a show for techie types who are passionate about crunching numbers and the digital side of operating business and investments. If you are drawn to financial independence, we'll enlighten you with grounded, practical strategies for achieving real estate success.    Each of our guests offers creative and practical strategies to begin a real estate investing career. They break down every single investing tactic you can emulate yourself. Receive essential lessons from their experiences as they open up about their real estate journey. They reflect on the moments when they got lucky or proved their intelligence and offer their fair share of “horror” stories too. Guests embrace their vulnerabilities and speak about challenges and failures, explaining how to overcome or avoid them.    There is no better host for this podcast that Craig Curelop. His is a living testaments of what you should aspire to be in this industry. Achieving financial independence in his twenties, he take pride in his first-hand experiences through every facet of real estate.    Craig specializes in a unique style of real estate investing called house hacking. He literally wrote the book on it: The House Hacking Strategy. This method purchases multi-unit properties and rents them out by portion. Craig is also the lead broker of The FI Team.  If you are stuck in an unfulfilling corporate job, let this show bring you far more rewarding opportunities. Craig is your guide to making a major career shift and becoming part of the exciting world of real estate. Do not feel discouraged by the towering paperwork and complex principles. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and strategies, and you are good to go!    Whether you are starting an active or passive venture, the key in real estate is proper training and a constant desire for growth. Invest2FI fortifies your confidence and provides you with a smooth, clear path to success.    Listen to the podcast today!

  1. Episode 248 - From Pro Soccer to Profitable House Hacks: Eric Lafon’s Road to Financial Independence Through Co-Living & Real Estate

    16H AGO

    Episode 248 - From Pro Soccer to Profitable House Hacks: Eric Lafon’s Road to Financial Independence Through Co-Living & Real Estate

    What do soccer and real estate investing have in common? Grit. In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with former professional soccer player turned house hacker, Eric Lafon. Eric shares his remarkable transition from a European soccer league to climbing the property ladder in Denver—while cash flowing $1,500/month in 2024’s high-rate market.   This episode discusses co-living strategies, building resilience after layoffs, traveling frugally across 35+ countries, and how Eric turned a severance check into a financial pivot. Tune in to hear how he discovered BiggerPockets, mastered creative financing, and built a thriving real estate portfolio—starting with just one room.  Whether you're a traveling minimalist, athlete, or nine-to-fiver dreaming of financial independence, Eric's story will show you what’s possible with smart investing and community-minded real estate. Don’t miss this high-value episode.  PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:44] Transitioning from sports to a low-paying software job  [04:05] Discovery of BiggerPockets during COVID lockdown  [09:49] Told 15-year-old dreams don’t pay bills and shifted goals  [13:04] Took higher role realizing he needed purpose beyond career  [16:53] How frugality and long-term travel built financial discipline  [19:30] Moving to Denver without job and landing one Day One  [21:15] Volunteering in co-living in Oaxaca sparks new vision  [23:06] Using new W2 to get pre-approved and find right property  [26:00] Why co-living offered better ROI than duplex strategy  [28:50] Buying a 4-bed, 3,000 sq ft house optimized for co-living  [37:07] Biggest mindset shifts since becoming a property owner  [38:30] Dealing with property management and early co-living issues  [42:00] Learning lease management and tenant communication skills [45:20] You don't need to hustle 24/7 if systems are working  [48:33] FI isn’t about retiring early but about intentional life design  [51:47] Inspired to help others find clarity, confidence, financial peace    HOST  Craig Curelop     📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy     📘Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy     🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze      GUEST Eric Lafon  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soylafon/

    56 min
  2. Episode 247 - Achieving Financial Freedom: Craig Curelop's Mid-Year Update on Goals, Growth, and Real Estate Investing

    JUL 2

    Episode 247 - Achieving Financial Freedom: Craig Curelop's Mid-Year Update on Goals, Growth, and Real Estate Investing

    In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop, shares his personal and professional journey in 2025. Reflecting on his goals for the year, Craig provides updates on his progress in key areas such as health, spirituality, personal growth, and real estate investing.   From intentional health choices and improving posture to deepening his faith and planning new business ventures, Craig opens up about the successes and challenges of staying aligned with his aspirations. Listen as he talks about the challenges of balancing relationships, fitness, and financial independence, while facing the ever-changing demands of life.  PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [00:20] Introduction to the mid-year reflection on personal and professional goals.  [02:40] Discussing health and fitness goals and tracking progress.  [03:59] Reflecting on spiritual growth and memorizing Bible verses.  [05:10] Shifting focus on lifestyle and less travel, prioritizing home and community.  [07:43] Personal growth through books, podcasts, and mentorship.  [09:39] Relationship with family, improving communication, and staying connected.  [13:04] Real estate goals, challenges, and a surprise property sale for cash flow.  [14:40] Plans for expanding co-living properties with investors.  [16:00] Closing thoughts on balancing personal life and work, staying focused on the big picture.    HOST  Craig Curelop     📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy     📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy     🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze

    18 min
  3. Episode 246 - Chad Rocke’s Real Estate Flip Journey: Key Lessons on Budgeting, Permits, and Project Management

    JUN 25

    Episode 246 - Chad Rocke’s Real Estate Flip Journey: Key Lessons on Budgeting, Permits, and Project Management

    Chad Rocke’s Real Estate Flip Journey: Key Lessons on Budgeting, Permits, and Project Management    Are you considering flipping a house but unsure about the risks and rewards? In this episode Chad Rocke, the lead agent at The Five Team, returns to share his firsthand experience from a recent real estate flip. He discusses the challenges and key lessons learned, offering listeners valuable insights into the realities of house flipping.    Chad talks about the financing process, managing contractors, budgeting for unexpected expenses, and navigating difficult decisions like whether to pull permits. This episode is packed with practical advice that anyone in real estate or aspiring to flip houses can learn from. Tune in to hear about the lessons that Chad picked up through this process, and how these experiences shaped his approach to future investment opportunities.     PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:   [03:45] Chad Rocke introduces his latest flip and how he got involved in the project.   [07:00] Chad reflects on past experiences and lessons learned from his earlier ventures.   [12:27] The choice of property in Evergreen and the challenges of flipping in remote locations.   [14:19] The importance of hiring trusted contractors and managing risk effectively during renovations.   [17:42]  Discussing financing strategies: the role of business credit and credit card stacking.   [20:35] Understanding the costs involved in flipping: from plumbing to electrical work.   [24:40] Decision-making behind property upgrades and keeping costs within budget.   [27:39] The challenges and risks of buying properties with issues like septic systems.   [33:30] The sale process: final steps to selling and the buyer's reaction to the property.   [37:00] Financial breakdown: how the flip cost and timeline affected the final outcome.   [41:30] The best advice that shaped his real estate journey: take calculated risks, follow proven success strategies.       HOST   Craig Curelop      📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy      📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy      🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze         GUEST   Chad Rocke   📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocketherealtor/

    46 min
  4. Episode 245 - From Zero to House Hacker: How Tony Cruz Built Wealth in Denver with Co-Living Real Estate Strategy

    JUN 18

    Episode 245 - From Zero to House Hacker: How Tony Cruz Built Wealth in Denver with Co-Living Real Estate Strategy

    What if your first real estate deal could pay your mortgage and fast-track financial independence? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig sits down with Tony Cruz, a first-time house hacker who purchased a $650,000 single-family home in Lakewood, Colorado—all while living abroad in Peru. Tony shares how he saved $60,000 over three years, worked with an investor-friendly agent, and used $15,000 in seller credits to buy down his interest rate from 6.9% to 6.25%.   He explains how he converted the layout into a six-bedroom co-living setup, added egress windows, and completed $65,000 in renovations while preserving privacy by living in the basement. Tony breaks down how he filled his rooms during Denver’s off-season using Roomies and Facebook groups and screened quality tenants with clear standards. This episode is a detailed roadmap for anyone ready to take action on their first house hack, even in a competitive, high-cost market.  Podcast Highlights:  [02:44] Tony Cruz joins the show and shares first home goals  [04:01 How Reddit inspired remote work and early FIRE goals  [05:07] First homeownership dream and link to house hacking  [10:00] Choosing Denver and identifying price limits and tradeoffs  [10:45] The value of investor-friendly agents with co-living insight  [14:54] Property specs including layout and duplex potential  [23:41] Turning 3-bed main listing into 6-7 bedrooms total  [25:55] Total $65K renovation cost breakdown and decisions made  [29:27] Filled rooms proactively despite offseason tenant timing  [33:10] Tenant screening methods and red flag messaging filters  [34:55] Managing privacy and shared living as a live-in landlord  [40:05] Long-term strategy and personal lessons from first deal  [50:30] final advice for first-timers afraid to take the leap  HOST Craig Curelop    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy    📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy    🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze     GUEST Tony Cruz 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stay.cruzin/  Use Code: ILOVECRAIG for Coliving Conference discount

    50 min
  5. Episode 244 - The Simple Path to Wealth Explained: J.L. Collins on Index Funds, FI Strategy & Financial Freedom

    JUN 11

    Episode 244 - The Simple Path to Wealth Explained: J.L. Collins on Index Funds, FI Strategy & Financial Freedom

    What if financial independence was simpler than you think? In this powerful episode Craig Curelop reconnects with a prominent figure in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement J.L Collins, whose best-selling book The Simple Path to Wealth has helped millions unlock freedom through frugality and investing in index funds.   This is not just a rehash—J.L. drops updates on Pathfinders, the upcoming Simple Path to Wealth 2.0, and how staying the course in a volatile market is still the winning strategy. You will walk away with timeless principles of wealth-building, practical investment tips (like using VTSAX), and motivation to pursue Financial Independence regardless of income level. Perfect for anyone in the FIRE movement, new investors, or anyone questioning the value of good debt, savings rates, and lifestyle inflation.  PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:  [03:15] Book update and reflections on investing mindset  [7:28] Avoiding lifestyle creep and how saving saved him  [11:17] 4 percent rule and retirement income planning  [16:12] How market volatility shapes disciplined investing long-term  [25:27] Vanguard’s VTSAX index fund remains JL’s top investing pick  [32:52] Staying the course when market drops test your resolve  [38:03] Pushback on simplicity and myths about wealth accumulation  [43:57] Financial independence is about freedom not early retirement age  [47:27] Advice to young investors on maximizing savings from start  [53:04] Stock market cycles and emotional control with investing  [58:26] Meditation mindset helps maintain financial course in crashes    HOST  Craig Curelop     📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy     📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy     🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze       GUEST  J.L. Collins  🌐 Website: https://jlcollinsnh.com/  ✖️ Twitter: https://x.com/jlcollinsnh?lang=en

    1h 7m
  6. Episode 243 - Mastering Short-Term Rentals, Co-Living Investing & Real Estate Growth Strategies with Cliff Johnson

    JUN 4

    Episode 243 - Mastering Short-Term Rentals, Co-Living Investing & Real Estate Growth Strategies with Cliff Johnson

    Are you ready to discover how short-term rentals and co-living properties can transform your real estate investment returns?  In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with Cliff Johnson, co-founder of Vakasa and current president of PadSplit, the leader in co-living rentals. Cliff shares his inspiring journey from attorney to real estate entrepreneur, how he built a vacation rental empire starting with a profitable oceanfront home in Oregon, and the strategic insights that helped him navigate complex markets and regulations.   Learn how Cliff leveraged data-driven approaches and innovative income guarantees to grow Vakasa and successfully transition into boutique hotels and co-living properties. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned investor, Cliff's story offers actionable lessons on identifying high-yield markets, adapting to evolving rental trends, and building wealth with multi-family and short-term rental investments. Don't miss this insider perspective from a key player in the co-living revolution.  PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [04:36] Cliff shares how he transitioned from attorney to real estate entrepreneur  [08:10] Explanation of Vakasa’s income guarantee model to owners  [15:25] Cliff’s first purchase in Rockaway Beach Oregon was a home run  [20:40] How data and market knowledge guided property selections and strategies  [23:17] Discussion on managing short-term rentals with high monthly revenue  [32:47] Transition from vacation rentals to boutique hotels explained  [36 45] Insights on why co-living works better in cities than short-term rentals  [39:50] How regulatory environments affect rental market opportunities  [52:20] The future of co-living and PadSplit’s role in affordable urban housing  [57:10] Cliff’s advice for investors entering short-term rental and co-living markets  HOST  Craig Curelop     📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy  📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy  🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze       GUEST Cliff Johnson  LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsoncliff/    🎟️ Co-Living Conference – June 6–7, 2025:  https://co-livingconference.com   Promo Code: ILOVECRAIG for $200 discounted ticket

    1h 2m
  7. Episode 242 - Build Wealth Without Selling – Nathan Miller’s Real Estate Strategy + Rentec Direct Story

    MAY 28

    Episode 242 - Build Wealth Without Selling – Nathan Miller’s Real Estate Strategy + Rentec Direct Story

    What does it take to go from buying a $43,000 condo to becoming the founder of a property management software used nationwide? In this episode of the Invest2FI, Craig Curelop sits down with Nathan Miller—longtime real estate investor and founder of Rentec Direct—to uncover his journey from humble beginnings to building a rental portfolio and a successful SaaS business. Nathan shares how house hacking before it was cool helped launch his real estate journey, how he scaled during the 2008 crash, and why he built Rentec Direct to solve his own landlord headaches. You’ll gain actionable insights on long-term investing, spotting value in foreclosures, and building tech solutions from scratch. Whether you're a buy-and-hold landlord, tech-savvy investor, or someone curious about building wealth slowly but surely, this episode is packed with golden nuggets.    PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:50] Inspiration to start investing and first real estate deal  [06:59] House hacked before strategy became mainstream for investors  [09:50] Used condo equity to purchase better property and rent  [11:35] Bought during 2008 crash using smart financing strategy  [20:26] Foreclosure deal became long-term rental at massive appreciation  [21:50] Moved into duplexes after realizing scalability of multi-units  [24:06] Self-managing rentals led to building Rentec Direct platform  [28:34] Warns against assuming all markets behave the same  [31:45] Shares how Rentec's features save thousands of hours  [39:18] Funded deals using savings, no liquidity events needed  [44:50] Answers why he still won’t accept venture capital  [46:29] Shares biggest lesson from hard-to-rent new builds  [48:00] Final Four segment: best advice was stop renting  [49:05] Created Rentec solely to save people time  [53:28] Advice for young investors to take action now    HOST  Craig Curelop    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy 📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy     🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze     GUEST Nathan Miller 🌐 Website: https://www.rentecdirect.com/ 🔗Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-miller-9087458/ 💻 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/hitechlandlord    🔗 Affiliate Links  🎟️ Co-Living Conference – June 6–7, 2025:  https://co-livingconference.com  Promo Code: ILOVECRAIG for $200 discounted ticket

    54 min
  8. Episode 241 - From $10K in a Living Room to $42M Co-Living Empire – Clara Arroyave’s Comeback Story

    MAY 21

    Episode 241 - From $10K in a Living Room to $42M Co-Living Empire – Clara Arroyave’s Comeback Story

    Can a $10K summer Airbnb hustle turn into a $42 million real estate empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with Clara Arroyave, a pioneer in co-living and founder of ColivingCashflow.com. Clara reveals how she scaled from renting out a living room to managing 160+ co-living rooms, then lost it all during COVID—and how she’s now rebuilding with even greater momentum.   You’ll hear her strategies on arbitrage, multi-family conversions, B2B tenant acquisition, and startup-style fundraising. This is a must-listen for real estate investors who want to grow fast, pivot through crisis, and make impact-driven housing decisions. If you’re passionate about co-living, affordable rentals, or multifamily investing—Clara’s resilience and insights will blow your mind. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [04:29] Clara shares how she earned $10K from a living room Airbnb [07:35] First startup matched new residents with realtors open to no SSN [08:38] Built B2B network with HR and university housing contacts [10:37] Launched PlaceMe in 2016 to rent units as co-living spaces [16:01] Zero ad spend: How she filled units using B2B referrals [24:29] Raising money using SAFE agreements like a tech startup [30:29] Why Clara believes co-living can't be replaced by AI [32:34] COVID dropped occupancy from 95% to 40% in weeks [33:49] Clara negotiates lease terminations to avoid full collapse [34:15] Clara explains 30–36% rent boost from bedroom density in Boston [35:18] Joined investment bank to learn high-level capital raising [40:28] Discusses triple-decker conversions for scalable cash flow [48:35] Boston’s housing shortage and her plan to add 50K units [49:51] Why Clara is always near a Metallica concert [50:50] Final advice: Stay authentic, focus on strengths, solve real problems [51:50] Invitation to co-living conference and personal investor network HOST Craig Curelop     📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy 📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy 🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze 🎟️ Co-Living Conference – June 6–7, 2025:  https://co-livingconference.com Promo Code: ILOVECRAIG for $200 discounted ticket GUEST Clara Arroyave 🌐 Website: https://colivingcashflow.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeisrocknroll/ 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claraarroyave/

    54 min
5
out of 5
124 Ratings

About

Real estate is undoubtedly one of the most profitable and thriving industries out there - especially if you are looking to achieve financial independence! It offers a wide variety of ways to invest actively and passively. If you are new to real estate investing and FI, and seek the proper guidance from experts, you are in the right place.    Welcome to Invest2FI, hosted by Craig Curelop. In this series, we talk with real-life house hackers, real estate (and other!) investors and real people on a mission to become financially independent.    Not everybody enjoys working a 9-5 job. No one wants to be stuck in analysis-paralysis feeling unsure how to finally jump into real estate. We teach you how to exit the rat race and work on living the life you want.    This is the show for beginners and learners who want to achieve financial freedom through real estate. Whether you want to increase your savings, optimize your expenses, or build a prospering income source, we have helpful solutions. We talk all the tips and tricks for making your very first purchase. We discuss how you can build your skills on this initial transaction to close better deals in the future.    This is also a show for techie types who are passionate about crunching numbers and the digital side of operating business and investments. If you are drawn to financial independence, we'll enlighten you with grounded, practical strategies for achieving real estate success.    Each of our guests offers creative and practical strategies to begin a real estate investing career. They break down every single investing tactic you can emulate yourself. Receive essential lessons from their experiences as they open up about their real estate journey. They reflect on the moments when they got lucky or proved their intelligence and offer their fair share of “horror” stories too. Guests embrace their vulnerabilities and speak about challenges and failures, explaining how to overcome or avoid them.    There is no better host for this podcast that Craig Curelop. His is a living testaments of what you should aspire to be in this industry. Achieving financial independence in his twenties, he take pride in his first-hand experiences through every facet of real estate.    Craig specializes in a unique style of real estate investing called house hacking. He literally wrote the book on it: The House Hacking Strategy. This method purchases multi-unit properties and rents them out by portion. Craig is also the lead broker of The FI Team.  If you are stuck in an unfulfilling corporate job, let this show bring you far more rewarding opportunities. Craig is your guide to making a major career shift and becoming part of the exciting world of real estate. Do not feel discouraged by the towering paperwork and complex principles. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and strategies, and you are good to go!    Whether you are starting an active or passive venture, the key in real estate is proper training and a constant desire for growth. Invest2FI fortifies your confidence and provides you with a smooth, clear path to success.    Listen to the podcast today!

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